Originally this QnA was planned for all those fabulous Marcomm people that kept Bali’s hospitality brands ticking across all mediums… However, since C19 came along a few of these talented professionals have had to find other employment …

The Yak tracks them down and asks “Where are you now?” 

Name, age (if you want to tell us) and where were you born?
Devina. Just turned 40, I can see why people said it is the new 30 . I was born in Papua, I am forever an island girl.

When did you come to Bali?
In 1999, to join a hospitality college in Nusa Dua.

Do you have family here? (We include your furry friends into this question).
YES, they are my best support system.

What brands have you worked for over the years?
Hospitality is the air I breathe. I’ve been very fortunate to set my career path in the industry with the world’s best hotels; The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, Alila Hotels and Resorts and now Capella Ubud, Bali. Have you been to this refined tented resort?

Nineteenth of March 2020. When you first heard of the Bali “stay at home” / #dirumahaja regulation, what went through your head?
It took some time to understand what was going on with the world, Covid19. Eventually I had to accept and live with it, and navigate my life throughout this situation.

What was your company’s reaction to this regulation?
It is very fortunate that the company decided to stay in business and keep all the employees. Good Karma!

How long have you been working for the company?
4 years since 2017 and I’m sticking with Capella Ubud as I write these answers.

What backup measures did you start putting in place when the writing was on the wall? (Covid 19 regulations were extended).
Working days were reduced and we worked from home, making a handy to-do list for my free time.

What was your mental state and how did you move forward into a more positive attitude?
It’s tough for me as it was for everybody, I kept telling myself to stay positive (not for C19) and always focus on what I can do, in business and family wise.

Finally, what are you doing now?
I’m one of the luckiest, I am very fortunate to keep my job and have the full support from dearest ones throughout the extraordinary times. The down time has provided opportunities to learn new things, to be resilient, to maximize resources and collaborate with community/industry.

Definitely let us know if we can support you and we very much hope to catch up all together at some point soon. Until then, we salute your perseverance and strength!
Definitely I’d love to catch up with Sophie and The Yak team, to exchange the insights on what we can do together, stronger! Please let me know when you have time to escape to Ubud for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Thank you so much!

And readers do please go and support these fabulous people in their positions and companies!